'America's Got Talent': Chicago auditions recap

The auditions for the fifth season of America's Got Talent arrived in Chicago this week as Piers, Sharon and Howie were treated to another round of performances, including a girl in a giant bubble and a man who thinks sneezing is a talent.

The Highlights:

Strikers All StarsThis all-male dance group take to the stage in combats and tank tops and impress the judges with their high-energy, high-flying routine. "Wow that was good," says Sharon. "I don't agree," responds Howie. "That was great!" Piers adds that they also have the looks to appeal to the females.

Naishon JonesThis 18-year-old dancer is praised for his performance. Howie thinks he's "wow", while Sharon gets him to remove his shirt after asking to see his tattoo. "Fabulous!" she says.

Carlos AponteAfter traveling all the way from Puerto Rico, this wedding singer receives a standing ovation from the judges for his operatic performance. Howie calls it an "unexpected, fantastic moment" and predicts his life is about to change, Sharon thinks his voice is "stunning, rich and powerful", while Piers says he has goosebumps.

John BeattyThis registered nurse demonstrates his strength by crushing a regular frying pan, using his fist as a hammer and holding an enormous stone. Piers isn't that impressed and suggests the frying pan could be a weak one, prompting Howie to ask Piers to unroll the pan, which he can't do. "Alright," admits Piers. "It's a little harder than it looks!"

Debra RomerThis waitress gets a mixed reaction after she sings and plays the guitar. Howie thinks she has a lovely voice and look but she didn't "own" her performance, while Piers disagrees and says he likes her innocence and vulnerability. Sharon questions whether she can handle a big show in Vegas because she seems nervous and needs to be stronger, but decides to give her the chance to prove herself.

Other acts to make it to Las Vegas include Gentleman of NUCO, who want to break the stereotype of classical music and perform an instrumental version of Kelly Clarkson's 'Since U Been Gone', gospel group NU Covenant, and hula-hooping performance artist Polina Volchek.

Less successful are magician The Spellbinder, who dances with a tissue, Tom Zemke, who wants to make music videos that turn people on, and Laura Ernst, who dances inside a giant plastic bubble. Buddy Holly Cheesehead also fails to make the cut with his self-penned 'Cheese Song'.

Another hopeful who falls short is 20-year-old Zach Carty, who aims to sneeze with his eyes open as many times as possible. Self-professed germaphobe Howie immediately retreats to the audience - "I don't want to see that" - while Zach brings Nick on stage to help, although his act falls apart when he can't make himself sneeze. "That's snot talent," concludes Howie.